A BIT OF A RUIN THAT CROMWELL KNOCKED ABOUT A BIT*

Since I'm abandoning him for a few days next week, I took B for an outing to Helmsley today, and what a gorgeous day. I do like Helmsley - excellent bakers, lots of cafés and an old castle, suitably ruinous after being "slighted" at the end of the Civil War and sprouting wildflowers all over the place. Extra shows the tower from the other side of this window, and the glorious sky.

Thanks for stars, hearts and advice yesterday. I actually did a couple of those outstanding jobs, so I reckon I deserved the day out today and the cake and ice cream I had. B didn't, but he ate them anyway.

(* Old Music Hall song.)